Neymar To Acquire The Rights To The Pelé Brand For $18 Million

Neymar and his father are set to secure the rights to the Pelé brand through their company NR Sports, marking a monumental step in preserving and expanding the legacy of Brazil’s greatest football icon. The move comes shortly after Neymar’s emotional return to Santos in January—his first spell back at the club since his 2013 transfer to Barcelona, where he lifted both La Liga and the Champions League.

€15.5m Acquisition to Mark Historic Anniversary

According to UOL, an official announcement is expected on Wednesday, November 19, commemorating the anniversary of Pelé’s 1,000th career goal. The agreement, valued at €15.5 million (£14m/$18m), will transfer ownership of the Pelé brand from American agency Sport 10 to NR Sports.

Pelé, who starred for Santos between 1956 and 1974, remains one of the sport’s most celebrated figures. His staggering 643 goals in 659 matches for the club still stand as a symbol of his unmatched brilliance before he concluded his career at the New York Cosmos in 1977. Following Pelé’s passing in 2022 at age 82, the brand has been largely dormant—something the Neymar family now aims to change.

Reviving and Globalising Pelé’s Image

Under the new agreement, NR Sports gains access to Pelé’s name, likeness, merchandising rights, and archival footage, paving the way for a global revitalisation of the legend’s image. Neymar has long expressed admiration for Pelé, famously wearing the iconic number 10 shirt for both Santos and Brazil.

Pelé’s family remains a visible presence at Vila Belmiro. Neymar recently financed the renovation of the Pelé family box at the stadium—complete with new seating, glass paneling, air conditioning, and remodeled facilities—as a tribute to the King of Football.

Unfortunately, Neymar’s own return to Santos has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to 13 league starts this season. Santos themselves are fighting for survival in the 2025 Brasileirão, sitting just one point above the relegation zone, though a late Benjamin Rollheiser strike against Palmeiras last weekend provided a crucial lift.

Brazil Boss Ancelotti Gives Neymar World Cup Ultimatum

Despite returning to the national team setup in March, Neymar’s place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup is far from guaranteed. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that the 33-year-old must prove both form and fitness:

“Neymar is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup. He has six months to make the final list.”

Neymar has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years, most notably the knee issue suffered against Uruguay in October 2023. Ancelotti added:

“Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends he’ll have some vacation time, and then he must show his quality and physical condition again.”

With time ticking, and Brazil eager to secure a record-extending sixth World Cup title, Neymar now faces one of the most challenging periods of his career—on and off the pitch.